Robot cleaner

Abstract

This robot cleaner comprises a main body and a brush device. The brush device includes: a connection part that rotates in the rotational direction with respect to the main body; and a plurality of fixing parts distributed and provided in the radial direction about the connection part. The respective fixing parts fix the plurality of brushes to the connecting part, and the respective brushes include a plurality of brush bristles. In at least one brush from among the plurality of brushes, a connection position between first brush bristles arranged at a front side with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part is higher than a connection position between second brush bristles arranged at a rear side with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part.

Description

robot vacuum cleaner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a robot vacuum cleaner, and more specifically, to a robot vacuum cleaner comprising a brush device.

[0002] With technological advancements, robotic technology is being utilized in various fields to replace human labor. Robots are used not only in factories, construction, medical sites, and aerospace, but recently, their applications have expanded further, with robots being developed for use in ordinary households as well. One example of a robot is the robotic vacuum cleaner.

[0003] Conventional robot vacuum cleaners either lacked side brushes or, even if they did, were designed in a basic form, so there was a problem where dust was blown away by the side brushes.

[0004] In addition, conventional robot vacuum cleaners had a problem where dust would get stuck to the side brushes when the side brushes rotated.

[0005] The information described in the background portion of this specification is technical information that was already recognized or derived by the inventor prior to or during the completion of the embodiments of this application, or that was acquired during the process of completing the embodiments. Therefore, this may not constitute prior art already known to the public.

[0006] Additional aspects will be partially disclosed in the following description, partially become apparent from the description, or can be learned through the practice of the presented embodiments.

[0007] A robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a main body and a brush device. The brush device may include a connecting part configured to rotate in a rotational direction relative to the main body and a plurality of fixing parts provided to be distributed radially around the connecting part. Each of the plurality of fixing parts fixes a plurality of brushes to the connecting part, and each of the plurality of brushes may include a plurality of brush hairs. In at least one of the plurality of brushes, the connection position between the first brush hairs positioned in front with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part may be higher than the connection position between the second brush hairs positioned in the rear with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part.

[0008] In at least one of the plurality of brushes, the connection position between the third brush hairs positioned between the first brush hairs and the second brush hairs with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part may have the same height as the connection position between the second brush hairs positioned at the rear with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part.

[0009] Each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes above includes a first stage connected to the fixed part and a second stage opposite to the first stage, and the height may decrease as it goes from the first stage toward the second stage.

[0010] Each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes includes a first section connected to the fixed part and a second section opposite to the first section, and the portion from the midpoint between the first section and the second section to the second section may have the same height.

[0011] Each brush hair included in each of the above plurality of brushes may have a zigzag pattern having multiple inflection points of different heights relative to the cleaning surface.

[0012] Each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes above may include a first stage connected to the fixed part and a second stage opposite to the first stage. The second stage may come into contact with the cleaning surface.

[0013] Each brush hair included in each of the above plurality of brushes may be a curved pattern having multiple inflection points of different heights with respect to the cleaning surface.

[0014] The cross-section of each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes may be an elliptical shape in which the diameter in the direction perpendicular to the cleaning surface contacted by the brush hairs is smaller than the diameter in the direction parallel to the cleaning surface.

[0015] The cross-section of each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes may have a closed curve shape having a constant curvature.

[0016] The robot vacuum cleaner may further include a suction part formed on the lower surface of the main body and a protrusion disposed on the first side of the brush device on the lower surface of the main body. The protrusion may be configured to collide sequentially with the plurality of brushes according to the rotation of the brush device, thereby blowing foreign matter attached to each of the plurality of brushes toward the suction part.

[0017] The brush device may be provided in the edge region of the lower surface of the main body, specifically in the first side edge region based on the center of the suction part. The protrusion may protrude from the lower surface of the main body such that at least a portion thereof is within the rotation radius of the plurality of brushes in the front region of the suction part.

[0018] A brush device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a connecting part configured to rotate in a rotational direction relative to the main body of a robot vacuum cleaner and connected to the lower surface of the main body, and a plurality of fixing parts provided to be distributed radially around the connecting part. Each of the plurality of fixing parts may fix a plurality of brushes to the connecting part. Each of the plurality of brushes may include a plurality of brush hairs. In at least one of the plurality of brushes, the connection position between the first brush hairs positioned in front with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part may be higher than the connection position between the second brush hairs positioned in the rear with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part.

[0019] In at least one of the plurality of brushes, the connection position between the third brush hairs positioned between the first brush hairs and the second brush hairs with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part may have the same height as the connection position between the second brush hairs positioned at the rear with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part.

[0020] Each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes above includes a first stage connected to the fixed part and a second stage opposite to the first stage, and the height may decrease as it goes from the first stage toward the second stage.

[0021] Each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes includes a first section connected to the fixed part and a second section opposite to the first section, and the portion from the midpoint between the first section and the second section to the second section may have the same height.

[0022] A brush device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a connecting part configured to rotate in a rotational direction, a fixing part extending from the side of the connecting part, the fixing part including a first end facing the rotational direction and a second end located on the opposite side of the first end, and a brush fixed to the fixing part, the brush including a plurality of brush hairs. The plurality of brush hairs may include first brush hairs fixed at a first height from the cleaning surface at the first end of the fixing part and second brush hairs fixed at a second height from the cleaning surface at the second end of the fixing part. The second height may be characterized as being smaller than the first height.

[0023] The plurality of brush hairs may include a plurality of third brush hairs fixed to the fixing part between the first brush hairs and the second brush hairs. The height of the plurality of third brush hairs from the cleaning surface may be characterized by gradually decreasing in the direction from the first end to the second end of the fixing part.

[0024] The plurality of brush hairs may include third brush hairs fixed to the fixing part between the first brush hairs and the second brush hairs. The third height of the third brush hairs may be characterized as being the same as the second height of the second brush hairs.

[0025] The plurality of brush hairs may be characterized by extending in an extension direction from the fixed part, and the height of the plurality of brush hairs relative to the cleaning surface may vary along the extension direction.

[0026] The plurality of brush hairs may be characterized by extending in an extension direction from the fixed part, and the height of the plurality of brush hairs relative to the cleaning surface may increase or decrease at least twice along the extension direction.

[0027] Other aspects, features, and advantages of the foregoing description and specific exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description, which is referenced together with the accompanying drawings:

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a robot vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the lower part of a robot vacuum cleaner according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a brush device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIGS. 4a and 4b are drawings showing the combined relationship of a plurality of brushes fixed to a plurality of fixed parts according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIGS. 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e are drawings showing the combined relationship of a plurality of brushes fixed to a plurality of fixed parts according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIGS. 6a, FIGS. 6b and FIGS. 6c are drawings showing a robot vacuum cleaner including a protrusion according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIGS. 7a, 7b, and 7c are drawings showing the combined relationship between a protrusion and a brush device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] Various embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The embodiments described in this specification may be modified in various ways. Specific embodiments may be depicted in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, specific embodiments disclosed in the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of various embodiments. Accordingly, the various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of such embodiments.

[0036] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0038] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0039] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0040] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0041] When it is stated that one element or layer is “over, above, on, below, under, beneath, connected to, or coupled to” another element or layer, this means that the element or layer is located directly on the other element or layer, or that there may be an element or layer interposed between them.

[0042] Conversely, when it is stated that an element is “directly over, directly above, directly on, directly below, directly under, directly beneath, directly connected to, or directly coupled to” another element or layer, it means that there is no element or layer interposed between them.

[0043] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0044] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0045] In this disclosure, the expression "identical" means not only complete agreement but also includes differences to the extent that account for processing error ranges.

[0046] Below, a robot vacuum cleaner (1) according to various embodiments is described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a robot vacuum cleaner (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, the main body (10) of the robot vacuum cleaner (1) may be provided in a circular shape. Specifically, the main body (10) may be formed in the shape of a disc. The main body (10) may include an upper housing (11), a lower housing, and a side housing (13) that form the exterior.

[0049] The upper housing (11) is configured to form one side of the main body (10) facing away from the ground. The upper housing (11) may include a display unit, operation buttons, and a control panel so that a user can control the operation of the robot vacuum cleaner (1), and may be equipped with various sensors such as a LiDAR sensor.

[0050] The lower housing is a configuration that forms one side of the main body (10) facing the ground opposite the upper housing (11). The lower housing may be formed in a circular shape corresponding to the shape of the upper housing (11).

[0051] The side housing (13) is configured to connect the upper housing (11) and the lower housing and form the side surface of the main body (10). The side housing (13) may be formed integrally with the upper housing (11) or the lower housing, or it may be formed as a separate member.

[0052] As the main body (10) of the robot vacuum cleaner (1) has a circular shape formed by a plurality of housings, it can have degrees of freedom regarding the radius of rotation when driving to perform cleaning. For example, when the robot vacuum cleaner (1) drives to clean a square space, it can pass through the angled part by changing only the direction of travel without having to reverse when changing the driving path at the angled part.

[0053] A brush device (1000) may be disposed on the lower surface of the robot vacuum cleaner (1) of FIG. 1. The brush device (1000) is configured to clean foreign matter on the cleaning surface by rotating a plurality of brushes. Since the suction port of the robot vacuum cleaner (1) is located in the central area of ​​the lower surface of the robot vacuum cleaner (1), it may be difficult for the suction port to pass directly over the cleaning surface when cleaning an area close to a wall as in FIG. 1. In such cases, the brush device (1000) is configured to rotate the brushes to touch and suck up foreign matter in an area where the suction power of the robot vacuum cleaner (1) does not reach, that is, an area adjacent to a wall. The brush device (1000) may be implemented in a fixed form on the lower surface of the robot vacuum cleaner (1), or it may be implemented in a form that can be mounted and detached at a specific location on the lower surface. The brush device (1000) may be manufactured separately from the robot vacuum cleaner (1) and assembled. In this case, if some of the brush hair falls out or gets worn out, it can be replaced with a new brush device (1000).

[0054] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a robot vacuum cleaner (1) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 2, the robot vacuum cleaner (1) may include a suction part (100), a driving wheel (200), an auxiliary wheel (210), a coupling member (300), and a brush device (1000), etc. in a lower housing area.

[0056] The drive wheel (200) is a configuration provided at the bottom of the main body (10) to move the main body (10). The bottom of the main body (10) refers to the area of ​​the lower housing described in FIG. 1, and specifically, the drive wheel (200) may be positioned to penetrate the lower housing. The drive wheel (200) may be composed of a single or multiple units. In the present disclosure, as shown in FIG. 2, the drive wheel (200) may be formed as a pair of drive wheels (200).

[0057] A pair of drive wheels (200) may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the center of the main body (10). The drive wheels (200) may include a driving motor on the inner side of the main body (10). Accordingly, the drive wheels (200) can move the robot vacuum cleaner (1) forward or backward by receiving power generated by the driving motor and rotating. Additionally, the pair of drive wheels (200) can rotate the robot vacuum cleaner (1) with respect to the center by rotating each of them in different directions by the driving motor.

[0058] Additionally, the robot vacuum cleaner (1) may include an auxiliary wheel (210) for changing the driving direction of the main body (10). The auxiliary wheel (210) may be positioned on the centerline (L) of the main body (10). As the auxiliary wheel (210) rotates, the driving direction of the robot vacuum cleaner (1) may be changed while moving forward or backward by the driving wheel (200). In FIG. 2, the robot vacuum cleaner (1) is shown with a single number of auxiliary wheels (210), but it is not necessarily limited thereto and may be composed of multiple wheels.

[0059] In FIG. 2, the suction unit (100) is configured to suck up dust or dirt present on the ground in the direction in which the robot vacuum cleaner (1) travels. The suction unit (100) may include a suction port (110), a filter, a suction motor, a suction fan, and a suction vane.

[0060] The suction motor can rotate the suction fan at high speed to form an air pressure within the suction vane that is lower than atmospheric pressure. Since the air pressure within the suction vane is lower than atmospheric pressure, an airflow can be formed from the outside of the main body (10) toward the suction vane. The speed of the airflow can be inversely proportional to the pressure of the suction vane.

[0061] When the suction motor is operated, the suction part (100) can draw in outside air from the outside of the main body (10) through the suction port (110), and in this process, dust or debris around the suction port (110) can be drawn in together. The drawn-in dust or debris can be filtered by a filter.

[0062] The brush device (1000) is configured to move dust or debris accumulated or adhered to the ground toward the suction part (100). In FIG. 2, the brush device (1000) is formed as a single unit on the lower side of the main body (10), but is not necessarily limited thereto, and the brush device (1000) may be formed as a plurality on the lower side of the main body (10). In addition, the brush device (1000) may be symmetrically arranged on both sides with respect to the centerline (L) of the main body (10).

[0063] The brush device (1000) can be rotated by receiving power from the brush motor (1100). The direction of rotation of the brush device (1000) may be a direction from the outer side of the main body (10) toward the center of the main body (10).

[0064] As the brush device (1000) rotates, dust or debris that is strongly adhered to the ground or tangled with one another can be separated from the ground or scattered and flow toward the suction part (100). As a result, the robot vacuum cleaner (1) can improve the suction efficiency of dust or debris through the brush device (1000). A detailed description of the brush device (1000) will be covered in detail starting from FIG. 3, so a description thereof is omitted.

[0065] The coupling member (300) is a device capable of coupling cleaning assistance members, etc., to the robot vacuum cleaner (1). The coupling member (300) can be coupled with various devices such as a morphing member capable of wet cleaning of a cleaning target area, various sensing members, and auxiliary suction devices. For example, when a morphing member is coupled to the coupling member (300), the robot vacuum cleaner (1) can perform dry cleaning by the suction unit (100) and wet cleaning by the morphing member at the same time. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and various members can be coupled to the coupling member (300) according to the user's convenience.

[0066] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a brush device (1000) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] In FIG. 3, the brush device (1000) may include a connecting part (1200), a plurality of fixing parts (1300), and a plurality of brushes (2000).

[0068] The connecting portion (1200) may be connected to the main body (10) in a rotatable manner. The connecting portion (1200) may include a protrusion (1101) on the upper side (i.e., configured to rotate in a rotational direction). The protrusion (1101) may be coupled to a brush motor (1100) disposed on the main body (10). As rotational power of the brush motor (1100) is transmitted to the protrusion (1101), the connecting portion (1200) may rotate around the brush motor (1100).

[0069] In FIG. 3, the connecting part (1200) may be in a cylindrical shape. Additionally, the cross-section of the connecting part (1200) cut perpendicularly to the Z-axis may vary depending on the number of multiple fixing parts (1300) arranged on the side surface of the connecting part (1200). For example, if the number of multiple fixing parts (1300) is 3, the cross-section of the connecting part (1200) cut perpendicularly to the Z-axis may be triangular. If the number of multiple fixing parts (1300) is 6, the cross-section of the connecting part (1200) cut perpendicularly to the Z-axis may be hexagonal. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the cross-section of the connecting part (1200) may be formed in various shapes.

[0070] In FIG. 3, a plurality of fixing parts (1300) are members capable of fixing a plurality of brushes (2000) to a connecting part (1200). The plurality of fixing parts (1300) may be distributed radially around the connecting part (1200), and the plurality of fixing parts (1300) may be symmetrically arranged around the connecting part (1200). For example, as shown in FIG. 3, three fixing parts are distributed radially around the connecting part (1200).

[0071] Although the plurality of fixed parts (1300) are each described with a different configuration from the connecting part (1200), they are not necessarily limited thereto, and the plurality of fixed parts (1300) may be formed integrally with the connecting part (1200).

[0072] In FIG. 3, a plurality of fixed parts (1300) may include a plurality of brushes (2000) on one side. The plurality of brushes (2000) may be positioned on the opposite side of the connecting part (1200) relative to the plurality of fixed parts (1300). The plurality of fixed parts (1300) may be formed integrally with the connecting part (1200) or may be connected to each other by different members. The plurality of fixed parts (1300) may be formed in a rectangular shape or may be formed in the same shape as the combined shape of the plurality of brushes (2000). However, they are not necessarily limited thereto, and the plurality of fixed parts (1300) may be formed in various shapes according to the convenience of the user.

[0073] In FIG. 3, for convenience of explanation, one of the multiple fixed parts (1300) may also be described using reference numeral 1300. However, even if described as a single fixed part, it can be applied equally to all of the multiple fixed parts (1300).

[0074] In FIG. 3, a plurality of brushes (2000) may include brush hairs such as brush hairs 2001 and 2002. The brush hairs included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) may be connected to a plurality of fixed parts (1300) in various forms. For example, the connection position between the brush hairs positioned at the front with respect to the rotational direction and the plurality of fixed parts (1300) may be higher than the connection position between the remaining brush hairs and the plurality of fixed parts (1300). That is, the fixed part (1300) may include a first end facing forward with respect to the rotational direction and a second end located on the opposite side, and the brush hairs connected to the first end of the fixed part (1300) (e.g., brush hairs (2001)) may be positioned higher with respect to the cleaning surface than the brush hairs connected to the second end (e.g., brush hairs (2002)). Through this, the contact area of ​​the brush device (1000) with dust or granules it comes into contact with while rotating can be increased. Additionally, the contact time with the dust or granules it comes into contact with while rotating can be increased. Accordingly, the impact force acting on the dust or granules can be reduced. Therefore, the brush device (1000) can move the dust or granules it comes into contact with along with it in the direction of brush rotation without bouncing them away.

[0075] In FIG. 3, the connection position between the brush hairs and the fixing part (1300) can be formed in various shapes. Among the brush hairs included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000), the connection position between the brush hairs positioned in the middle with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part (1300) may have the same height as the connection position between the brush hairs positioned in the rear with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part (1300).

[0076] The connection positions between the brush hairs and the fixed part (1300) may be divided into sections, and the connection positions may differ for each section. For example, among the brush hairs included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000), the connection position between the brush hairs positioned in front with respect to the rotational direction and the fixed part (1300) may be a section higher than the connection position between the remaining brush hairs and the fixed part (1300), which can be referred to as the first section. In FIG. 3, the section from Ymin to Ymid may be the first section. Among the brush hairs included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000), the section where the connection position between the brush hairs positioned in front with respect to the rotational direction and the fixed part (1300) and the connection position between the remaining brush hairs and the fixed part (1300) are formed at the same height may be referred to as the second section. In FIG. 3, the section from Ymid to Ymax may be the second section. That is, the height of the plurality of brushes (2000) connected to the fixed part (1300) can be lowered from the front end to a specific point based on the rotational direction, and the height of the plurality of brushes (2000) connected to the fixed part (1300) can be constant from a specific point to the back end. Accordingly, the brush device (1000) can accommodate foreign substances such as dust or granules in the first section and prevent dust or granules from being dislodged by friction with the floor surface in the second section. In addition, the brush device (1000) can clean dust of all sizes in the second section.

[0077] The cross-section of each brush hair of a plurality of brushes (2000) may be circular. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the cross-section of each brush hair may be formed in various shapes. For example, the cross-section of each brush hair may be elliptical. Specifically, the cross-section of each brush hair may be elliptical in such a way that the diameter in the direction perpendicular to the cleaning surface contacted by the brush hair is smaller than the diameter in the direction parallel to the cleaning surface. Additionally, the cross-section of each brush hair may be a closed curve shape having a certain curvature. Here, the certain curvature may have various curvatures.

[0078] The coupling relationship of the plurality of brushes (2000) fixed to the plurality of fixed parts (1300) will be described later starting from FIG. 4a.

[0079] FIGS. 4a and 4b are drawings showing the coupling relationship of a plurality of brushes (2000) fixed to a plurality of fixed parts (1300) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 4a and 4b are graphs showing a cross-section cut along a plane formed by the Y-axis and the Z-axis with respect to one of the plurality of fixed parts (1300) shown in FIG. 3. That is, FIGS. 4a and 4b are drawings showing the plane in which the brush hairs of the plurality of brushes (2000) shown in FIG. 3 are coupled to the fixed part (1300).

[0080] The brush hairs included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) shown in FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b are described based on a form formed in two layers in the Z-axis direction, but are not necessarily limited thereto, and the brush hairs included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) may be formed in a form formed in one layer or in a form formed in multiple layers.

[0081] In FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b, a plurality of brushes (2000) may each include brush hairs (2010a, 2020a) included therein.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4a, among the brush hairs, the connection position between the brush hairs (2010a, 2020a) positioned at the front with respect to the rotational direction (i.e., Ymin) and the fixed part (1300) may be higher than the connection position between the remaining brush hairs (2010a, 2020a) and the fixed part (1300). In FIG. 4a, the brush hairs (2010a, 2020a) positioned at the very front with respect to the rotational direction may be positioned at Zh. The height of Z of the brush hairs (2010a, 2020a) may decrease as they go from Ymin to Ymax. When the brush hairs (2010a, 2020a) reach Ymax, they may come into contact with the ground.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 4b, the brush hairs can be divided into multiple sections based on Ymid. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4b, the section between Ymin and Ymid is the first section, and the section between Ymid and Ymax is the second section. The brush hairs (2010a, 2020a) formed in the first section may have a Z height that decreases as they go from Ymin toward Ymid, similar to the brush hairs (2010b, 2020b) formed in FIG. 4a. The brush hairs (2010b, 2020b) formed in the second section may have a constant Z height even as they go from Ymid toward Ymax. Here, the brush hairs (2010b, 2020b) placed in the first section may be parallel to each other. However, they are not necessarily limited to this, and the brush hairs (2010b, 2020b) placed in the first section may be formed at different angles. Accordingly, FIGS. 4a and 4b can prevent dust or dust particles from being dislodged due to friction with the ground.

[0084] That is, in FIG. 4b, among the brush hairs included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000), the connection position between the brush hairs positioned in the middle with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part (1300) may have the same height as the connection position between the brush hairs (2010c, 2020c) positioned in the rear with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part (1300).

[0085] FIGS. 5a to 5e are drawings showing the combined relationship of a plurality of brushes (2000) fixed to a plurality of fixed parts (1300) according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] FIGS. 5A to 5E are drawings showing cross-sections of a plurality of brushes (2000) connected to a plurality of fixed parts (1300) of FIG. 3, cut along a plane formed by the X-axis and Z-axis. In FIGS. 5A to 5E, each of the brush hairs of the plurality of brushes (2000) may be formed at a different height based on the plane formed by the X-axis and Z-axis. The reference numerals of the brush hairs of the plurality of brushes (2000) are 2100 to 2600, with the brush hairs positioned further back as the numbers increase, and each drawing will be described based on this.

[0087]

[0088] In FIGS. 5a to 5e, the brush hairs (2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600) included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) may have a lower height as they move away from the first stage of the fixed part (1300). In FIG. 5a, the brush hairs (2100a, 2200a, 2300a, 2400a, 2500a, 2600a) included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) may maintain a constant height from the middle (Xmid) to the end (Xmax) in a direction away from the first stage of the fixed part.

[0089] In FIG. 5a, the brush hairs (2100a, 2200a, 2300a, 2400a, 2500a, 2600a) can be divided into two zones. The first zone is from Xmin to Xmid, and the second zone is from Xmid to Xmax. In the first zone, the height of the brush hairs (2100a, 2200a, 2300a, 2400a, 2500a, 2600a) may decrease along the Z-axis as they go from Xmin to Xmid. The angle determined relative to the cleaning surface at Xmin of the brush hairs (2100a, 2200a, 2300a, 2400a, 2500a, 2600a) may increase as they go from the brush hair (2100a) positioned furthest forward relative to the rotation direction to the brush hair (2600a) positioned furthest rear. That is, the angle of the brush hairs (2100a, 2200a, 2300a, 2400a, 2500a, 2600a) at Xmid is such that the Z-axis height is higher as they are positioned further forward relative to the rotation direction. In the second zone, the Z-axis height of the brush hairs (2100a, 2200a, 2300a, 2400a, 2500a, 2600a) can remain constant even as they move toward Xmid and Xmax. When viewed in combination with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4a, as the brush device (1000) is driven, dust particles or dust can move into the space between Xmin and Xmid and between Ymin and Ymid of the plurality of brushes (2000), and can accumulate in the space between Xmin and Xmid and between Ymin and Ymid.

[0090] That is, each of the brush hairs (2100a, 2200a, 2300a, 2400a, 2500a, 2600a) included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) includes a first stage connected to the fixed part (1300) and a second stage opposite to the first stage, and the height may decrease as it goes from the first stage toward the second stage. Here, the first stage is the point where Xmin is located, and the second stage is the point where Xmax is located. In addition, each of the brush hairs (2100a, 2200a, 2300a, 2400a, 2500a, 2600a) included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) may have the same height in the portion from the midpoint between the first stage and the second stage to the second stage.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 5b to 5d, the brush hairs (2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600) included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) can have their height reduced from the beginning to the middle in a direction away from the second end of the fixed part (1300), and can form a plurality of peaks from the middle to the end (second end) in a direction away from the first end of the fixed part (1300). In FIG. 5c, the brush hairs (2100c, 2200c, 2300c, 2400c, 2500c, 2600c) included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) can maintain the same height as the ground at the end portion in a direction away from the first end of the fixed part (1300).

[0092] Referring to FIG. 5b, the brush hairs (2100b, 2200b, 2300b, 2400b, 2500b, 2600b) can be divided into multiple zones. The area from Xmin to Xmid1 is the first zone, the area from Xmid1 to Xmid2 is the second zone, the area from Xmid2 to Xmid3 is the third zone, the area from Xmid3 to Xmid4 is the fourth zone, and the area from Xmid4 to Xmid5 is the fifth zone. In the first zone, the height of the brush hairs (2100b, 2200b, 2300b, 2400b, 2500b, 2600b) along the Z-axis can decrease as they go from Xmin to Xmid, as described in FIG. 4a. The angle determined relative to the cleaning surface at Xmin of the brush hairs (2100b, 2200b, 2300b, 2400b, 2500b, 2600b) can increase from the first brush hair (2100b), which is positioned furthest forward relative to the rotation direction, to the sixth brush hair (2600b), which is positioned furthest rearward relative to the rotation direction. Here, the brush hair (2600b), which is positioned furthest rearward relative to the rotation direction, can be formed in a shape that contacts the ground from Xmid1 to Xmax. In the second zone, the height of the brush hairs (2100b, 2200b, 2300b, 2400b, 2500b, 2600b) decreases along the Z-axis from Xmid1 to Xmid2, and can be formed at a height that contacts the ground at the point where Xmid2 is located. In the third zone, the height of the brush hairs (2100b, 2200b, 2300b, 2400b, 2500b, 2600b) increases along the Z-axis from Xmid2 to the middle zone of the third zone, and then decreases along the Z-axis from the middle zone of the third zone to the point where Xmid4 is located. Here, the brush hairs (2100b, 2200b, 2300b.The height of the Z-axis up to the middle section of the third section of (2400b, 2500b, 2600b) may be such that the first brush hair (2100b) positioned in the front relative to the rotation direction is higher than the sixth brush hair (2600b) positioned in the rear. The brush hairs (2100b, 2200b, 2300b, 2400b, 2500b, 2600b) formed in the fourth section may be formed in the same shape as the brush hairs (2100b, 2200b, 2300b, 2400b, 2500b, 2600b) in the third section. In the fifth section, the height of the brush hairs (2100b, 2200b, 2300b, 2400b, 2500b, 2600b) may increase as they move from Xmid4 to the point where Xmax is located. The height of the brush hairs (2100b, 2200b, 2300b, 2400b, 2500b, 2600b) at Xmax may be such that the first brush hair (2100b), positioned in the front relative to the rotation direction, is higher than the sixth brush hair (2600b), positioned in the rear.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 5c, the brush hairs (2100c, 2200c, 2300c, 2400c, 2500c, 2600c) can be divided into multiple sections. In FIG. 5c, the brush hairs (2100c, 2200c, 2300c, 2400c, 2500c, 2600c) formed from Xmin to Xmid4 may have the same shape as the brush hairs (2100b, 2200b, 2300b, 2400b, 2500b, 2600b) formed in FIG. 5b. Therefore, since a detailed explanation of this has been provided above, some explanations may be omitted. In FIG. 5c, the brush hairs (2100c, 2200c, 2300c, 2400c, 2500c, 2600c) can be formed at the same height as the ground from Xmid4 to Xmax.

[0094] With the configuration of the brush hairs of FIGS. 5B and 5C, when the brush device (1000) performs a rotational movement, dust particles or dust can be received in each mountain-shaped groove formed in the brush hairs (2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600).

[0095] That is, in FIG. 5b and FIG. 5c, each of the brush hairs (2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600) included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) may be a zigzag pattern having multiple inflection points of different heights with respect to the cleaning surface. Also, in FIG. 5c, each of the brush hairs (2100c, 2200c, 2300c, 2400c, 2500c, 2600c) included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) may include a first stage connected to the fixed part (1300) and a second stage opposite to the first stage. Here, the first stage refers to the area where Xmin is located, and the second stage refers to the area where Xmax is located. Each second stage of the brush hairs (2100c, 2200c, 2300c, 2400c, 2500c, 2600c) included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) may have a height capable of contacting the cleaning surface.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 5d, the brush hairs (2100d, 2200d, 2300d, 2400d, 2500d, 2600d) can be formed with different periods and shapes for each brush hair. The first brush hair (2100d), positioned furthest forward with respect to the rotational direction, is identical to the shape formed in FIG. 5c, so a description thereof is omitted. From the second brush hair (2200d), positioned second forward with respect to the rotational direction, to the fourth brush hair (2400d), positioned fourth forward, three peaks can be formed from Xmid to Xmax. Among them, the Z-axis height of the peaks positioned on both sides close to Xmid and Xmax may be higher than the Z-axis height of the peak positioned in the middle. The Z-axis height of the peak positioned near Xmid and Xmax of the second brush hair (2200d) positioned at the second front and the fourth brush hair (2400d) positioned at the fourth front based on the rotational direction may decrease as one moves from the second brush hair (2200d) to the fourth brush hair (2400d). However, the Z-axis height of the peak positioned at the center of the second brush hair (2200d) positioned at the second front and the fourth brush hair (2400d) positioned at the fourth front based on the rotational direction may increase as one moves from the second brush hair (2200d) to the fourth brush hair (2400d). The fifth brush hair (2500d) positioned at the fifth front based on the rotational direction may form four peaks from Xmid to Xmax based on the rotational direction. The Z-axis height of each peak of the fifth brush hair (2500d) can be formed to be lower than the Z-axis height of the peak of the fourth brush hair (2400d). The sixth brush hair (2600d), positioned at the rearmost height, can be formed in a shape that contacts the ground from Xmid to Xmax.Accordingly, when the brush device (1000) is operated, dust particles or dust can be received in the peak-shaped grooves formed in the brush hairs (2100, 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600).

[0097] Referring to FIG. 5e, the brush hairs (2100e, 2200e, 2300e, 2400e, 2500e, 2600e) formed in FIG. 5e have the same shape as the brush hairs (2100c, 2200c, 2300c, 2400c, 2500c, 2600c) formed in FIG. 5c, and the shape from Xmin to Xmid and the shape from Xmid4 to Xmax are the same. In addition, the number of peaks from Xmid1 to Xmid4 in the brush hairs (2100e, 2200e, 2300e, 2400e, 2500e, 2600e) formed in FIG. 5e is the same as that in the brush hairs (2100c, 2200c, 2300c, 2400c, 2500c, 2600c) formed in FIG. 5e is the same as that in FIG. 5e. However, the Z-axis height of the brush hairs (2100e, 2200e, 2300e, 2400e, 2500e, 2600e) formed in FIG. 5e may vary in a curved shape.

[0098] That is, the brush hairs (2100e, 2200e, 2300e, 2400e, 2500e, 2600e) included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) can form a plurality of curved peak shapes from the middle to the end (second stage) in a direction away from the first stage of the fixed part (1300), with the height decreasing from the beginning to the middle in a direction away from the first stage of the fixed part (1300). Here, the first stage refers to the area where Xmin is located, and the second stage refers to the area where Xmax is located. The plurality of curved peak shapes may have the same shape as y=cos(x)-1. However, they are not necessarily limited to this and may be formed with various curved shapes. That is, each of the brush hairs (2100e, 2200e, 2300e, 2400e, 2500e, 2600e) included in each of the plurality of brushes (2000) may be a curved pattern having a plurality of inflection points of different heights with respect to the cleaning surface. FIGS. 6a, FIGS. 6b and FIGS. 6c are drawings showing a robot vacuum cleaner (1) including a protrusion (3000) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] In FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the robot vacuum cleaner (1) may include a suction part (100) and a protrusion (3000). The suction part (100) may be formed on the lower surface of the main body (10). Since a detailed description of the suction part (100) has been described in detail in FIG. 2, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0100] The protrusion (3000) may be positioned on one side of the brush device (1000) on the lower surface of the main body (10). The protrusion (3000) may sequentially collide with a plurality of brushes (2000) when the brush device (1000) rotates. Accordingly, the protrusion (3000) can blow foreign matter attached to each of the plurality of brushes (2000) toward the suction part (100). Accordingly, the robot vacuum cleaner (1) can suck up foreign matter through the suction port (110) formed in the suction part (100).

[0101] In FIG. 6a, the length of the protrusion (3000) may be the length from the point between the height of the brush hair combined with the ground to the lower surface of the main body (10). That is, the length of the protrusion (3000) may be the height obtained by subtracting the height of the Ztip from the height to the lower surface of the main body (10). Accordingly, all brushes (2000) of the brush device (1000) may collide with the protrusion (3000) while the brush device (1000) is in operation.

[0102] In FIGS. 6b and 6c, a protrusion (3000) may be positioned on an area that performs rotational movement of the brush device (1000). This may be referred to as a protrusion area (4000). The protrusion area (4000) may be formed as an area through which a plurality of brushes (2000) pass, starting from the point of contact where a circle of the rotational radius meets a line (L2) extended from a point of the suction part (100) positioned opposite the brush device (1000), and extending to a line (L3) extended from a point of the suction part (100) closer to the brush device (1000) to a line extended to the center of the brush device (1000). The protrusion (3000) may be positioned on this protrusion area (4000). Accordingly, the protrusion (3000) collides sequentially with a plurality of brushes (2000) when the brush device (1000) rotates, and can blow foreign matter attached to each of the plurality of brushes (2000) toward the suction port.

[0103] In FIGS. 6b and 6c, the brush device (1000) may be positioned in an edge area on one side of the lower edge area of ​​the main body (10) with respect to the center of the suction part (100). The protrusion (3000) may be a structure protruding from the lower surface of the main body (10) such that at least a portion is positioned within the rotation radius of a plurality of brushes (2000) in the front area of ​​the suction part (100).

[0104] FIGS. 7a, FIGS. 7b and FIGS. 7c are drawings showing the combined relationship between a protrusion (3000) and a brush device (1000) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] In FIG. 7a, the protrusion (3000) may be positioned so that only a portion of it overlaps the protrusion area (4000). Specifically, when the brush device (1000) is viewed from the top, the cross-section of the protrusion (3000) may be circular in shape. The cross-section of the protrusion (3000) may be positioned so that only a portion of its area overlaps the protrusion area (4000). Accordingly, when the brush device (1000) rotates, the plurality of brushes (2000) may collide with the protrusion (3000) only at their outermost portions. Accordingly, the protrusion (3000) can prevent damage to the plurality of brushes (2000) and improve the durability of the plurality of brushes (2000).

[0106] In FIG. 7b, the protrusion (3000) may be positioned so as to be entirely contained within the protrusion area (4000). Specifically, when the brush device (1000) is viewed from the top, the cross-section of the protrusion (3000) may be circular in shape as in FIG. 7a. Accordingly, when the brush device (1000) rotates, a large area of ​​the plurality of brushes (2000) may collide with the protrusion (3000). Accordingly, the protrusion (3000) can effectively blow foreign matter attached to each of the plurality of brushes (2000) toward the suction port.

[0107] In FIG. 7c, the protrusion (3000) may be positioned so that it partially overlaps the protrusion area (4000). Specifically, when the brush device (1000) is viewed from the top, the cross-section of the protrusion (3000) may be rectangular. As such, the shape of the protrusion (3000) may be various shapes. For example, when the brush device (1000) is viewed from the top, the cross-section of the protrusion (3000) may be triangular. The shape of the protrusion (3000) may have various shapes according to the user's convenience, such as a triangular prism shape, a cylinder shape, a square prism shape, as well as a spherical shape whose area varies with height.

[0108] Each of the components described in this document may include one or more components, and the names of such components may vary depending on the type of electronic device.

[0109] Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described individually above, each embodiment is not required to be implemented alone, and the configuration and operation of each embodiment may be implemented in combination with at least one other embodiment.

[0110] Various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described based on a robot vacuum cleaner (1), but are not necessarily limited thereto, and a brush device (1000) may be implemented independently.

[0111] Although preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims

Regarding robot vacuum cleaners, Main body; and Includes a brush device; The brush device above is, A connecting part configured to rotate in a rotational direction relative to the main body; and It includes a plurality of fixing parts provided distributed radially around the above-mentioned connecting part; The plurality of fixed parts each fix a plurality of brushes to the connecting part, and each of the plurality of brushes includes a plurality of brush hairs. A robot vacuum cleaner, wherein in at least one of the plurality of brushes, the connection position between the first brush hairs positioned in front with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part is higher than the connection position between the second brush hairs positioned in the rear with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part. In paragraph 1, A robot vacuum cleaner, wherein in at least one of the plurality of brushes, the connection position of the third brush hairs positioned between the first brush hairs and the second brush hairs with respect to the rotational direction and the connection position of the fixing part is the same height as the connection position of the second brush hairs positioned at the rear with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part. In paragraph 1, A robot vacuum cleaner in which each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes comprises a first stage connected to the fixed part and a second stage opposite to the first stage, wherein the height decreases as it goes from the first stage toward the second stage. In paragraph 1, A robot vacuum cleaner in which each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes comprises a first stage connected to the fixed part and a second stage opposite to the first stage, and the portion from the midpoint between the first stage and the second stage to the second stage has the same height. In paragraph 1, A robot vacuum cleaner in which each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes has a zigzag pattern having multiple inflection points of different heights relative to the cleaning surface. In paragraph 5, Each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes comprises a first portion connected to the fixed portion and a second portion opposite to the first portion, and The above second stage is a robot vacuum cleaner that contacts the cleaning surface. In paragraph 1, A robot vacuum cleaner in which each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes is a curved pattern having a plurality of inflection points of different heights with respect to the cleaning surface. In paragraph 1, A robot vacuum cleaner in which the cross-section of each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes is an elliptical shape in which the diameter in the direction perpendicular to the cleaning surface contacted by the brush hairs is smaller than the diameter in the direction parallel to the cleaning surface. In paragraph 1, A robot vacuum cleaner in which the cross-section of each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes is a closed curve shape having a constant curvature. In paragraph 1, A suction part formed on the lower surface of the above main body; and It further includes a protrusion disposed on the first side of the brush device on the lower surface of the above main body; and A robot vacuum cleaner configured such that the above-mentioned protrusion collides sequentially with the plurality of brushes according to the rotation of the brush device, thereby blowing foreign matter attached to each of the plurality of brushes toward the suction part. In Paragraph 10, The brush device above is, Among the lower edge regions of the above main body, the first side edge region is provided with respect to the center of the suction part, and A robot vacuum cleaner, wherein the above-mentioned protrusion protrudes from the lower surface of the main body such that at least a portion thereof is within the rotation radius of the plurality of brushes in the front region of the suction part. In a brush device, A connecting part connected to the lower surface of the robot vacuum cleaner body and configured to rotate in a rotational direction relative to the body; and It includes a plurality of fixing parts provided distributed radially around the above-mentioned connecting part; The above plurality of fixing parts each fix a plurality of brushes to the connecting part, and Each of the above plurality of brushes includes a plurality of brush hairs, and A brush device in which, in at least one of the plurality of brushes, the connection position between the first brush hairs positioned in front with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part is higher than the connection position between the second brush hairs positioned in the rear with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part. In Paragraph 12, A brush device in which, in at least one of the plurality of brushes, the connection position of the third brush hairs positioned between the first brush hairs and the second brush hairs with respect to the rotational direction and the connection position of the fixing part is the same height as the connection position of the second brush hairs positioned at the rear with respect to the rotational direction and the fixing part. In Paragraph 12, A brush device in which each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes comprises a first stage connected to the fixed part and a second stage opposite to the first stage, wherein the height decreases as it goes from the first stage toward the second stage. In Paragraph 12, A brush device wherein each brush hair included in each of the plurality of brushes comprises a first stage connected to the fixed part and a second stage opposite to the first stage, and the portion from the midpoint between the first stage and the second stage to the second stage has the same height.

Images